Luke Berry scores his second goal for Cambridge United at Crewe Alexandra (Image: Simon Lankester)

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If there was any doubt about Greg Taylor’s worth to the squad, he had recently displayed his versatility, playing not just at left-back but in midfield and at centre-half as well, and he was rewarded with a new-one year contract for his efforts.

But despite the double boost, United suffered a blow to their play-off hopes with a 2-1 defeat at Grimsby, with Brad Halliday’s late finish – his first goal for the U’s – from Adam McGurk’s cross proving only to be a consolation.

Derry remained upbeat about the situation, though.

He said: “As negative as this result was, quickly we spoke about the table and then you realise we’re three points off the top seven, so there’s so much to play for.”

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Cambridge United captain Leon Legge watches his header hit the back of the net against Exeter City (Image: Simon Lankester)

Derry’s beliefs were confirmed when United responded with a terrific 1-0 win at home to promotion-chasing Exeter.

Legge notched the only goal around the half-hour mark with a booming header from Piero Mingoia’s free kick, but Will Norris made a couple of superb saves to ensure a much-need three points towards the play-off push.

“It’s a massive win,” said Derry. “We knew that we had to turn up today and put an incredible amount of effort into the game, especially after the loss on Friday.”

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But even a wonderful free kick from the hotshot midfielder could not prevent United suffering another dent to their play-off hopes in a 2-1 reverse at Portsmouth, who were already celebrating promotion.

Pompey went two goals up before Berry gave United a lifeline – and it needed a terrific save from home keeper David Forde in stoppage time to deny the midfielder from another free kick that was heading for the top corner.

Derry said: “As the game went on, I think our fitness levels were fantastic and we peppered their goal in the final 20 minutes.”

However, Uche Ikpeazu had gone off with a dislocated shoulder and it emerged he would miss the remainder of the season after undergoing an operation, while the luckless McGurk was in the same boat after suffering a hamstring injury in training.

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Scott Wharton scores for Cambridge United against Crawley Town (Image: Simon Lankester)

Even without that attacking pair, United were able to respond with a 2-0 victory at home to Crawley in their penultimate game to ensure they would still have something to play for in their final match at Wycombe.

Scott Wharton bagged his first United goal with a header from Harrison Dunk’s corner and Berry settled matters late on with a penalty after Gerry McDonagh had been pulled down in the box.

Derry was full of praise for Berry, but felt the team deserved plaudits as a whole for their efforts.

He said: “Luke has had an unbelievable season and fully deserves his recognition getting into the team of the year and he has been a true leader, so I’m delighted for him.

“But it was a collective effort and it was very much a team performance and we go into next week still in it, which is marvellous.”